Is GRSE Set to Secure the Contract for Five Next-Generation Corvettes?

Kolkata, May 22 (NationPress) Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has been identified as the lowest bidder (L1) for the construction of Next Generation Corvettes (NGC) for the Indian Navy.

The Navy is looking to acquire eight Next Generation Corvettes, with GRSE, recognized for delivering over 110 warships to the country's maritime defense forces, taking part in the competitive bidding process.

Upon the opening of commercial bids on May 21 during the Commercial Negotiations Committee (CNC) meeting organized by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in New Delhi, GRSE was announced as the lowest bidder (L1).

The contract for constructing five Next Generation Corvettes is projected to be valued at approximately Rs 25,000 crore.

GRSE is currently engaged in building four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPV) for the Navy, in addition to three Advanced Guided Missile Frigates, seven Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts, and two Survey Vessels (Large). The first of the eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts constructed by GRSE was recently delivered to the Navy.

With substantial experience in building advanced corvettes, GRSE has previously constructed three Khukri-class and four Kora-class Guided-Missile Corvettes, followed by four Kamorta-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes.

On another note, as anticipated, the Bangladesh government has canceled its order for an advanced ocean-going tug from GRSE. This decision is not expected to affect GRSE's financial status, as the order amounted to about US$ 21 million (around Rs 179.75 crore), contributing merely 0.8 percent to GRSE's order book, which stood at Rs 22,680.75 crore as of March 31, 2025.

Additionally, GRSE has successfully completed sea acceptance firing trials for the indigenous Naval Surface Gun NSG (30mm), demonstrating remarkable accuracy through a sophisticated indigenous Electro Optical Fire Control System.

These trials, conducted aboard one of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts designed and built by GRSE, indicate a strategic transition for GRSE towards becoming a capable weapon manufacturing entity, alongside its shipbuilding role.

This noteworthy achievement is attributed to a robust partnership between GRSE and M/s BHSEL (Hyd), along with M/s Elbit Systems Land, the technology and production partners for the Gun project. Over a two-year period, extensive efforts have resulted in 60 percent indigenous content in the product, which is expected to increase with future orders.

The gun has undergone stringent quality assessments at the factory prior to extensive sea trials, including live target firings. This highly accurate and reliable gun system is set to significantly enhance the Indian Navy's inventory of advanced weaponry.